The following is a list of gear the founder of GrizzlyStik & Alaska Registered Guide has complied from 40+ years of hunting coastal Alaska.
Hunting in coastal Alaska is often described as “managing wet.” At the least - this recommended gear will make your trip much more enjoyable. At most - it can save your life. Just plan on it raining, a lot.
GrizzlyStik founder Ed Schlief "cruising" spring beach bears - Etolin Island, Alaska
We recommend multiple layers, wader’s with lace up boots instead of hip boots, no cotton and a backup for everything.
Jackets – we recommend bringing two – one Rubber and one Gore Tex
.
***Must Have*** This is the "Only" jacket we have found that can keep you dry.
Grundens: Brigg 40 Parka
We only recommend wearing - any brand GoreTex type outter - when dry or stalking. If you don't have a way to dry these coats at night and they saturate and they will stay damp the whole time. When it rains (all the time) use the Grundens as an outter shell.
Sitka: Gore Tex Blizzard Parka
Waders & Wader Boots – Best way to stay dry, and easy to walk long distances in. You can sit on the wet ground and not worry about getting wet.
Simms: G4 Stockingfoot Waders
Simms: G3 Guide Boots
Beach bum - Yakutat, Alaska
Backpack
Grundens: 30 Liter Rum Runner Camo Backpack
PFD - it is always good to be safe.
Mustang: Mustang Survival Deluxe Automatic Inflatable PFD
Traditional harvest of spring bear - Prince of Wales Island, Alaska
Knee Boots
XtraTuf: “Alaskan Classics”
Base Layers – any combo of thermal underwear and fleece you are comfortable in. No Cotton!
Sitka: Base Layer
Simms: Base Layer
Dry Bay, Alaska
Gloves – I like these types but they get wet so you will need several pairs. They stay warm when they are wet and leave your finger open to work.
Simms: Gloves
Headlamp – I always have two.
Petzel: Head Lamps
Taking advantage of a break in the weather - Admiralty Island, Alaska
Wool Balaclava – Any brand will do.
Amazon: Balaclava
Camp Shoes - The Specialist (by Crocs) We know, we know... But we have yet to find any camp shoes more comfortable, pack-able, and indestructible. The Specialist has more support than regular Crocs, is not vented so your feet don't get wet as easily and they are available in, black, chocolate, and khaki colors that are good in the field.
Amazon: Crocs
Side Arm Holster - If you are thinking of carrying a side arm (we recommend .454 Casull or bigger) on your hunt, this is the best holster we have found. Made in Alaska.
Diamond D Leather: Guides Choice Chest Holister
Alaska Gazetteer Maps:
Amazon: Alaska Gazetteer Map Book
Bear Greaser (for DIY):
In Alaska, the three most popular bear defense guns are arguably the .375 H&H, the 12 guage shotgun (slugs never buckshot) and the S&W .500 revolver. All have a proven track record but all have unique drawbacks while solo bow-stalking bears.
Ed built his idea of a bowhunting bear backup. He need a compact frame to carry while stalking but enough stopping power for a bruin at close quarters.
He researched then customized this .30-06 Remington Sportsman 74 Auto to fill the job. Matched with hand loaded 220 grain solids (4 + 1), the semi-auto minimizes recoil enough to allow the rifle to be shot offhand. Nicknamed the bear greaser, this rifle has filled many rolls - tent gun, bear stopper and freezer filler.
Additional Gear:
Good low light binoculars, plenty of extra socks, gloves and hats.
We also recommend a couple rubber bands, nails,
bailing wire and Ziploc bags (Always can be used for something).
GrizzlyStik 2012 spring bear camp - Tebenkof Bay, Kuiu Island, Alaska